Ca18det swap help? And yes I have searched...

[240stud]

Ok I'm gonna be kinda blunt here. I'm completely lost. I am going to swap a CA18DET into my 89 240sx. I've searched all over the internet for the past week and a half, I've searched this forum (Ok, I wont need help on wiring lol), but I still have no idea what I'm gonna do.

I have the shop picked out (Waynesville vo-tech, where I'm ironically training to be a mechanic so I'm doing the swap by myself.) I have the dealer picked out, I have the money, I just dont have the know-how.

Do I need anything before I put the engine in, besides the basic change rubber lines, gaskets, fluids, etc? Like I said wiring is taken care of, thanks to the forum.

During the swap is there anything special that needs to be done? Ive read alot of "its just drop and drive" but theres no details about the "drop" part.

I've read about the transmission and motor mounts, so thats not a big deal.

Just basically talk to me as if I was 4 years old. And I know its going to happen anyhow.

Oh yeah, unfortunately I am not getting the front clip. Im getting the engine. Its got everything I need it looks like, sans the intercooler. And heres where I basically lost myself. I THINK it has everything I need, and when I emailed the company, they said it has everything I need. I'm not too sure though.

Don't be hatin. I know this is prolly not the groundbreaking thread everyone wants to see. But lets face it, We've all been in my shoes, right?

Any help is VERY appreciated.

[iliketocrash]

just follow the wiring how-to and make sure you wire up your knock sensor. other than that, the transmission and motor all bolt in perfectly fine. just knock off the dust shield/collar on the tail of the CA transmission and replace it with the one from the KA transmission so the KA driveshaft fits properly. that should be all.

[c-rad]

Don't forget about changing the timing belt, water pump, clutch, and various other wear items while the motor is out.

[240stud]

Awesome. See i didnt hear anything abou the dust shield in the dozens of pages i've already looked at. That prolly just saved me a few days of picking at my brain. BTW is it the CA18DE water pump or the CA18E the replacement? And If I wasnt gonna use AC, does anyone know what size belt i should use? But besides that everything just bolts up right? sweet.

Oh yeah I prolly wont be posting any pics until its done. Ever seen the movie Tommy Boy? Well you remember the scene where chris farely is at the gas station? Yeah... Add to that a cavelier sideswipe and a corolla rear ender, and thats my car. But its still running. Go Nissan!

[Logan76]

I suggest some E-fan's and to remove your clutch fan, and replace the timing belt and clutch, I wish I wouldve replaced the clutch because now its slipping and It would've been easier with the motor out.

[The_Chosen_One]

I suggest some E-fan's and to remove your clutch fan, and replace the timing belt and clutch, I wish I wouldve replaced the clutch because now its slipping and It would've been easier with the motor out.

Tell that to C-rad he got a new clutch and he said he might been having issues with the clutch.